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NJPW’s El Desperado set for MLW x NJPW Fantastica Mania USA April 12 in Charleston, SC

Get your tickets MLWgo.com

Charleston, SC — Major League Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling today announced El Desperado as a participant at MLW & NJPW Presents CMLL FANTASTICA MANIA USA 2026, fueled by Danny McBride’s Don Gato Tequila heads to Festival Hall on Sunday, April 12. Fans can secure their seats today at MLWgo.com and Eventbrite.

 Buy tickets starting at $10 as part of MLW’s fan Appreciation Night at http://www.MLWgo.com and Eventbrite.

The global showcase will also feature an MLW FUSION TV taping, bringing together top fighters from Japan, Mexico, and the United States for a high-stakes night in the Holy City.

A master of calculated brutality and ring IQ, El Desperado is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous junior heavyweights in the world. Debuting in New Japan Pro-Wrestling after honing his craft in Mexico, Desperado built his reputation on technical precision, ruthless targeting of limbs, and a cold-blooded finishing instinct. His signature Numero Dos submission and Pinche Loco finisher have ended battles against the very best in the division, cementing his legacy as a multi-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and one of the division’s defining competitors.

Masked, methodical, and relentless, El Desperado blends lucha libre influence with Japanese strong style toughness. Whether dismantling opponents with surgical submissions or striking with sudden violence, Desperado thrives under bright lights — and on April 12, Charleston becomes his next proving ground.

MLW x NJPW Present CMLL Fantastica Mania USA fueled by Don Gato Tequila promises dream matches, international rivalries, and world class junior heavyweight action as MLW FUSION cameras capture the spectacle for television.

Don’t miss this historic homecoming in the heart of downtown Charleston. Tickets are on sale now—visit MLWgo.com to be there.

Bring your signs as MLW TV trucks will be rolling up for an MLW FUSION TV taping broadcasting worldwide.

Featuring MLW fighters, NJPW's best wrestlers, and CMLL's grandest luchadores, including:
•IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion DOUKI
•El Desperado

Matches and more appearances will be announced soon at MLW.com.

PLUS: Pre-Order your Special Meet & Greets from 6-6:30pm.

There will be several meet and greet opportunities featuring Major League Wrestling and NJPW wrestlers as well as CMLL luchadores and personalities. More details will be made available soon.

Fans must show proof of purchase to participate in the Meet & Greet. A limited number of Meet & Greet items will also be available for purchase on-site at the event.

Tickets start at $10 at www.MLWgo.com and Eventbrite.  

Tickets will also be available day of show at the box office unless the event sales out in advance. No refunds or exchanges. This is an all ages event.

For the latest information on bouts for this event, please visit www.MLW.com. All bouts are subject to change.

DAY OF EVENT INFO
The schedule for the event is as follows:

• 6:00 p.m.: Doors open for general public (all ticket holders)

• 6:00-6:30 p.m.: Special Meet & Greets at MLW Shop Pavilion

• 7:30 p.m.: Showtime

MORE ABOUT FESTIVAL HALL

With stately columns framing its doors, Festival Hall (formally Memminger Auditorium) makes a striking first impression within the historic Charleston landscape. Nestled in downtown’s Harleston Village neighborhood—easily walkable from some of the city’s premier hotels and restaurants—its white exterior contrasts with its lush adjoining courtyard and the Southern blue skies above. Step inside, however, and the stark façade gives way to a warm and welcoming industrial-style hall with glass paneling, exposed brick, and modern fixtures. Built in 1939 and renovated in 2008, Festival Hall is a world class experience rich in history.

PARKING
Fans attending MLW at Festival Hall will find several convenient paid public parking garages and metered street parking within a short walk of the venue. Closest Public Parking Garages:

• Cumberland Street Parking Garage
  90 Cumberland Street, Charleston, SC 29401

• Charleston County Parking Garage (Queen Street Garage)
  93 Queen Street, Charleston, SC 29401

• Liberty Center Garage
  21 Horlbeck Alley, Charleston, SC 29401

• Visitor Center Parking Garage
  73 Mary Street, Charleston, SC 29403

• Marion Square Parking Garage
  399 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403

All garages are located within easy walking distance of Festival Hall and offer hourly and daily parking options.

Metered Street Parking:
Downtown Charleston also offers metered on-street parking near the venue, including surrounding streets such as Beaufain, Cumberland, Queen, Broad, and King Street. Metered parking is typically enforced Monday–Saturday, with posted time limits. Fans are encouraged to check signage for restrictions and availability.

For the best experience, attendees are encouraged to arrive early and plan parking in advance.

The venue is located at: 56 Beaufain Street, Charleston, SC

About Major League Wrestling

Major League Wrestling (MLW®) is a sports media holding company, offering television content, action figures, apparel, live events, and ancillary entertainment. MLW operates live events in major markets throughout the United States, including Charleston, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles.  

One of the fastest growing wrestling leagues today, MLW programming is available in over 60 countries worldwide, including on beIN Sports in the U.S.

For more information visit MLW.com and follow MLW on X, Instagram and YouTube.